Marico Limited vs Abhijeet Bhansali (Notice of Motion No. 1094 of 2019 In COMIP No. 596 of 2019)
Decided On: 15.01.2020
Court: Bombay High Court
Marico Ltd., one of India’s leading FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) company, had recently filed an application at the Bombay High Court, seeking an interim injunction against Abhijeet Bhansali, a YouTuber/V-Blogger who operates the YouTube channel “Bearded Chokra”. It was alleged by Marico that Abhijeet Bhansali in his video, made comments disparaging or denigrating Marico’s Parachute Coconut Oil, thus infringing its trademark “Parachute”. The Bombay High Court while passing an injunction against Abhijeet held that there was unauthorized use of the trademark “Parachute” and under the garb of educating the public one cannot provide misleading information to disparage any product. The court also ordered to take down the YouTube video uploaded by Abhijeet and emphasised the need for higher responsibility on the part of a social media influencer.
Available at: https://indiankanoon.org/doc/79649288/
Imagine Marketing Pvt. Ltd. vs Exotic Mile (CS (COMM) 519/2019)
Decided On: 21.01.2020
Court: Delhi High Court
Delhi High Court has passed an interim injunction against Exotic Mile, an audio-gadgets business firm, for violating the registered trademark “boAt” of Imagine Marketing Pvt. Ltd. Imagine Marketing is the proprietor of boAt, a well know electronic products supplier in India. It contended that Exotic Mile had dishonestly adopted the trademark “BOULT”, which is phonetically and deceptively similar to “boAt”. Further, it alleged that the usage of the tagline ‘UNPLUG YOURSELF’ by Exotic Mile was confusingly similar to its tagline ‘PLUG INTO NIRVANA’. The Court passed an interim injunction restraining Exotic Mile from using the trademark “BOULT” as well as the tagline ‘UNPLUG YOURSELF’.
Available at: https://indiankanoon.org/doc/168923956/
Nike Innovate C.V vs. G.B. Shoe (CS (Comm) No.542/19)
Decided On: 22.01.2020
Court: Patiala House Court, New Delhi District
Delhi District Court has passed a permanent injunction against three footwear companies, G.B. Shoe, Vishal Footwear and New Hira Shoes, located in Agra, the Defendants, for violating the trademark(s) of Nike, the celebrated sports shoes manufacturer. Since its adoption in 1971, Nike has been using its brand name continuously worldwide and is the registered trademark holder of marks such as NIKE, SWOOSH (logo), etc. Based on the evidence and the reports submitted by the appointed Local Commissioner, the Court noted that the Defendants’ adoption and usage is creating undue enrichment by creating confusion in the minds of customers. The Court further ordered the Defendants to pay Nike a nominal damage of Rs. 50,000 each.
Available at: https://indiankanoon.org/doc/39474767/
Lacoste S.A vs. Suresh Kumar Sharma (CS (Comm) No.534/19)
Decided On: 13.02.2020
Court: Patiala House Court, New Delhi District
Lacoste S.A., the French clothing major, had filed an application for a permanent injunction in the Delhi District Court against Suresh Kumar Sharma. Lacoste contends that Suresh Kumar Sharma was selling shirts bearing the “Lacoste” mark and thus infringing its trademark and passing off. The Court observed that Suresh Kumar Sharma had no right to use the “Lacoste” mark and further held that his actions led to undue enrichment and created confusion amongst the general public. Thus, the court granted permanent injunction restraining Suresh Kumar Sharma from using the “Lacoste” mark.
Available at: https://indiankanoon.org/doc/135422936/
Puma Se vs. Mr. Vikas Jindal (CS No.552/2019)
Decided On: 13.02.2020
Court: Patiala House Court, New Delhi District
Puma, a well-known German sports footwear brand, filed an application at the Patiala House Court, New Delhi, for a permanent injunction against Vikas Jindal, a Ludhiana based business proprietor, for using its trademark ‘PUMA’ and the ‘PUMA’ logo. Puma further contended that Vikas was liable for misrepresenting and deriving unfair advantage by using the ‘PUMA’ trademark in his products. Vikas Jindal did not file a reply to the suit. Based on the submissions and evidences provided by Puma, the Court passed an ex-parte permanent injunction against Vikas Jindal and ordered him to pay nominal damages of Rupees 50,000 for selling products using the ‘PUMA’ trademark.
Available at: https://indiankanoon.org/doc/85034557/
Bajaj Electricals Limited vs. Gourav Bajaj & Anr (Interim Application no. 1 of 2020)
Decided On: 03.03.2020
Court: Bombay High Court
Bajaj Electricals, part of the Bajaj conglomerates of businesses and industries, filed an application at the Bombay High Court for an interim injunction against Gourav Bajaj (‘Defendant’), an individual who operates two retail electrical appliance stores at Abohar, Punjab. Gourav Bajaj was operating his stores under the trade names ‘Apna Bajaj Store’ & ‘Bajaj Excellent’. Additionally, the Defendant is also said to operate a website under the impugned domain www.apnabajajstore.com. Bajaj Electricals in this suit contended that the mark BAJAJ has been declared as a well-known trademark by the Bombay High Court in 1987. Bajaj further contended that even the defense of personal name use is of no consequence as the very adoption and use of the impugned mark by the Defendant is dishonest as the expression “Powered By: BAJAJ” was used upon the impugned label, suggesting that they are sponsored and/or endorsed by Bajaj. Despite several notices, no one appeared on behalf of the Defendant. Based on the submissions and evidence provided by Bajaj, the Court passed an interim injunction against the Defendant from using the trademarks ‘Apna Bajaj Store’ & ‘Bajaj Excellent’ and the impugned domain www.apnabajajstore.com.
Available at: https://indiankanoon.org/doc/101671569/
